Q174 / 200 · NEET 2022 (Phase 2) · Zoology

Given below are two statements : Statement I : DNA polymerases catalyse polymerisation only in one direction, that is $5^{\prime} \rightarrow 3^{\prime}$ Statement II : During replication of DNA, on one strand the replication is continuous while on other strand it is discontinuous. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  • Correct answer
    A
    Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
  • B
    Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
  • C
    Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
  • D
    Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Solution

DNA polymerase can read template DNA in only one direction i.e., $3^{\prime} \rightarrow 5^{\prime}$ thus DNA replication can continue only in $5^{\prime} \rightarrow 3^{\prime}$ direction, thus it can continue only on one strand of DNA. The DNA stand on which replication is continuous is called leading strand whereas the strand on which replication is discontinuous is said to be lagging strand.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.

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